Ergonomic Razor
Team
Liv Jenks
Haley Mossmer
Nhi Nguyen
Timeline
Jan - Feb (2022)
Tools
Fusion360, User Testing, Rapid Prototyping
Goal
Make a more ergonomic redesign of a common hand tool.
Our Approach
We used the double-diamond design process (visualized to the left) to tackle this project.
Because this process encourages a breadth of solutions, we thought that it would be fitting to use it to generate novel solutions for such a saturated market.
Discovery
First, to understand the problems associated with the current design of razors, we observed the biomechanical processes involved in using them.
Additionally, we researched the current market of ergonomic razors to see what exists already and to understand the current research. Analyzing various products, user reviews, and industry studies, we identified key areas for improvement and sought to address them in our innovative razor design.
Define
At this stage in the process, we narrowed down our research of the current razor design flaws to three key characteristics: the lack of control in certain positions, slippage when using in water, and discomfort/fatigue while holding for sustained time periods.
Diverge
(pt. 1)
Next, each team member generated 10 solutions with these problems in mind, and we collectively agreed on our two favorites from each of our lists to proceed further.
We each made full-scale prototypes of our two selected designs out of purple foam in order to get user feedback
For our 8 rapid prototypes, we conducted multiple interviews for each design while using the RULA Assessment Worksheet to gauge their comfort levels.
Diverge
(pt. 2)
After acquiring these user insights, we decided to choose two of the most important parameters to isolate based on our research: grip type and grip diameter. Above are the designs that I was in charge of creating (we each were assigned two more designs based on our selected parameters).
Once again, we did one final round of user testing to see which of our final designs were the best.
Deliver
Our winning design was the square grip with a medium diameter. Our interviewees unanimously agreed that it was their favorite and that it was comfortable, intuitive, and easy to maneuver.